Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Fredericksburg, TX 11/27/13

Oh, where does the time go. I ran across the start of this post from 2013. For the Thanksgiving holiday that year we headed down to Austin, Texas, to reconnect with friends and family. While there, we decided to go hike Enchanted Rock, which was one of our first dates back in 2008. It would appear, that we intended to make a post about it, but never finished it. I happily found the stub of a post and picked it up today.

Enchanted Rock is the second largest granite monolith in the country and has a summit that sits at just above 1,800 ft. It is no 14er, but the rich history and beauty of the Texas hill country makes this a very popular hike. Humans have been living at Enchanted Rock for around 12,000 years, and the Apache used the granite to mill their grains, which can still be seen in the park in areas called bedrock morters.

Enchanted Rock holds a special place in my heart, not just because Allyson and I went here early in our relationship and it is one of our first hikes together, but from learning how to rappel and camp here as a child as well. Today, from what we read online, it is very busy and frequently closes due to capacity. So arrive early and plan accordingly. It can also get very hot in Texas, and the summit trail is climbing a rock and therefore has no shade. Depending on your ability, it could take anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes to climb up to the summit. It is a mere 390 ft. of total elevation gain, and it is barely more than half a mile one way (0.67 miles). But there are always people taking rest breaks. But hiking around Enchanted Rock isn’t about “bragging rights” or a sense of some physical feat, it is just pretty. But if that isn’t enough for you, then there is climbing. Enchanted Rock has trad climbing that ranges from 5.4 to 5.11a. In some areas there are bolts for draws, but it is mixed sport and trad at best in those places.

The park does offer much more than just the summit trail, there are miles of trails and a number of side excursions. There is Little Rock to the west of Enchanted Rock, Turkey Peak off to the east, and some small bodies of water including Moss Lake and Frog Pond. You could easily make a half day hike out of the park and camp at night. Stargazing is a popular activity at night in the area.

Summit Trail

As you can see in the photos above, you are relatively exposed to the elements on a slab of pink granite.  So, make sure to pack water and sunscreen, perhaps wear a wide brimmed hat, in the summer.  It can get very hot out there; but, since the trail is short with minimal elevation gain, you can make a pretty quick escape if need be.

The “summit” is — as you can see above — just as exposed as the hike up.  Small pools in the rocks crevices offer little miniature ecosystems to examine; and, the views of the hill country are stunning.  Take your time to enjoy the rock — just make sure you are respectful of others and of nature.  They say that those with evil intent will be cursed.

You can see in the middle picture the steepness of the hike, but the rock grips well and it isn’t scary.  There really isn’t any exposure to speak of either.  The leftmost photo shows Linda Checkley and Allyson on the summit.  And the rightmost photo shows I believe the trail up to Turkey Peak.

Exploring

Here we are exploring the creek and what I believe is Moss Lake below.  There are extensive opportunities for wildlife and plant viewing.  But, if you really want to maximize your viewing then camping is the best route to go.  The stargazing combined with the wildlife activity you will see in early morning is worth it.

As a final note, the park if famous and has been very popular over the last decade or so.  Make sure there is space by calling ahead and even try and plan going on a weekday.

That’s all for now.